Tammy never imagined she’d become the full-time caregiver for her 6-year-old twin grandsons, Ty and Colby. But when the boys endured instability, Tammy and her youngest daughter stepped in, determined to give them love and structure.
However, love alone can’t heal everything. Tammy says the boys often acted out with her, not out of defiance, but because they felt safe.
“I think they always have that fear that I will leave them,” Tammy says.
The trauma they’d experienced runs deep, and the emotional toll shows up in unexpected ways — outbursts, anxiety and a constant need for reassurance. Tammy worried about how it might shape their future, especially as they entered school and began to navigate new environments and relationships.
Support when kids need it most
When the boys started kindergarten, Tammy learned about the school-based therapy program offered by Atrium Health Behavioral Health Services in collaboration with Atrium Health Levine Children’s. It’s designed to support kids like Ty and Colby who are navigating emotional challenges that can affect their behavior, relationships and ability to thrive in school.
The program places licensed behavioral health therapists directly in schools across the region, making mental health care more accessible and less disruptive to families. Instead of missing class or relying on transportation to outside appointments, children receive support right where they learn and grow.
Jessica Sybil Sawyer Horne, LCSW, is one of the therapists in the program and has worked with Ty and Colby since 2024. She’s worked in mental health for over 20 years and sees the school setting as a powerful space for early intervention.
“Children learn and adapt to their environments,” Horne says. “Having direct access to therapy during the school day removes barriers and allows us to support kids in real time, especially during times of stress or transition.”
For Tammy, that access made all the difference. She remembers how the boys responded immediately to the program, even asking to continue their sessions during summer break.
“Even when they were out of school, they asked to see Jessica,” Tammy says. “She lets them play while they talk, and I think that really helps them process things.”
Meeting children right where they are
The sessions are tailored for each child. Younger kids might watch a short video, play a game or draw while learning to name emotions or practice calming strategies.
Horne uses a blend of cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques and therapeutic play to help children build coping skills.
“When a child walks into a session smiling and eager to share what they’ve learned, that’s when I know they’re feeling safe and supported,” Horne says.
Tammy sees those moments at home, too. She notices the boys using techniques they’ve learned in therapy and even finds herself learning alongside them.
“They’ll tell me what they learned, like counting to ten when they’re overwhelmed,” Tammy says. “I see them trying to use these skills. I’m even learning some things from it, too.”
She’s also seen growth in their personalities. Ty, who struggled with the transition to first grade after bonding deeply with his kindergarten teacher, is adjusting with support.
“The change threw him off,” Tammy says. “But Jessica’s working with him on that.”
Colby, once shy, now thrives socially and lights up when talking about music and math.
“Last year, he couldn’t connect with other kids,” Tammy says. “But this year, he’s picked it right up. He loves school.”
Support for families, inside and out
From the moment a child enters the school-based therapy program, caregivers are part of the process. Tammy says she’s able to check in with the therapist whenever something comes up and appreciates the transparency of the program.
“After each session, I can see what they talked about in the visit summary on MyAtriumHealth,” Tammy says. “It helps me understand what they’re working on, and it gives me ideas for how to support them at home.”
Beyond therapy, families are also connected to community resources through Atrium Health’s School-Based Services team. Angela Campbell, a community health worker for school-based therapy, helps families navigate challenges that go beyond emotional well-being.
“I absolutely love that we help so many families,” Campbell says. “We don’t just provide virtual mental health services and medication management; we address families’ social determinants of health.”
Campbell works closely with nonprofit organizations to match families with tailored support, whether it’s housing assistance, food access or crisis relief. For Tammy and the boys, she reached out to Helping Hands, a local nonprofit, to advocate for additional help.
“Being able to provide those resources to relieve some hardship warms my heart,” Campbell says. “Life is hard enough. If I can help ease that burden, I know I’m doing good.”
She’s built relationships across the region through outreach and events, making sure families know what’s available and how to access it.
“There are so many resources out there that families may not be aware of,” Campbell says. “A lot of it is just knowing where to look and who to call.”
A growing network of care
Atrium Health’s school-based therapy program now reaches more than 130 schools across two states. It offers thousands of in-person and virtual sessions each year and is designed to meet children where they are — emotionally, developmentally and physically. The goal is to help families access care in a way that feels manageable and consistent.
For Ty and Colby, this support has gone beyond helping them manage big emotions. It has allowed them to settle into school, build friendships and explore their individual interests. Ty enjoys drawing and often creates pictures for his teachers. Colby has developed a love for music and math and has become more confident socially.
“They’re doing better,” Tammy says. “And I know the therapy is part of that.”
Tammy also wants other caregivers to know they are not alone.
“There is help out there,” Tammy says. “And it can make a real difference.”
Ty and Colby are already showing what is possible. They are learning to express themselves, connect with others and build the emotional tools they will need as they grow.
“They’re trying to set themselves up for success,” Tammy says. “And I’m so glad they love school. That’s where it all begins.”
If your child is struggling with mental health issues, we are here to help. To participate in our school-based therapy program, call 844-563-5268.
